A number of Warwick alumni have been recognised for their outstanding contributions in the recent King’s Birthday Honours. Twelve individuals have each been celebrated and honoured for their tireless work and commitment, as well as the incredible impact they have on the world around them.

Christine works as a gallery tour guide, librarian, and researcher at Compton Verney Art Gallery, where their research on a 16th-century altarpiece is currently exhibited. Motivated by the discovery and sharing of new knowledge, Christine also gives talks on various historical subjects and volunteers at local museums and archives, drawing inspiration from their enriching experience as a mature student at Warwick.

Clive's curiosity and drive to learn continue to motivate him, a trait fostered during his time at Warwick, which taught him critical thinking and presentation skills.

Warwick, chosen by Whitleigh for its prestigious status, led her to her current role in children's services, where she focuses on complex cases encompassing exploitation, drug use, and mental health, fueled by her aspiration to enhance her mental health knowledge.

Archit's decision to attend Warwick stemmed from its esteemed reputation and vibrant campus community, influenced by interactions with Warwick Ambassadors during his International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Mumbai. Now, as a Software License Compliance Consultant at Deloitte UK, his drive comes from a larger vision of making a positive impact and running his own business, shaped by his time at Warwick and supported by family and friends.

David Curwen (BA History 1985) was inspired during his time at Warwick to pursue a career in Law. He is now devoted to helping people who struggle with legal problems to help make a positive impact on their lives.

Benjamin Nuga (BA French with Chinese, 2022), has already diversified his skill set by working as a production assistant, scriptwriter, and musician and he’s also been a contestant on Countdown. Having only graduated in 2022, his achievements are centered around his willingness to step outside his comfort zone.

Now working at the cutting edge of science and technology, Emma Arandjelovic (BSc Computer Science, 2002) looks back at her time at Warwick and how it was key to succeeding in a male-dominated industry.

Theatre company, Speakbeast, is made up of Warwick alumni and students who are interested in creating original theatre that focuses on queerness, transness, and what it means to be human in a mechanised world. They’ve been shortlisted for the Untapped 2024 award and will be taking their debut show, The Freemartin, to Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024.

Theatre and Performance Studies students were able to hear from alumni Zoe Templeman-Young (BA Theatre and Performance Studies, 2013) and CJ Webley (BA Theatre and Performance Studies, 2015) at a careers event in January.

Friendship, warmth, fun, and connections were the foundations that encouraged Puri Ragini (BA History and Politics, 2020) to head to Warwick and build a successful career in the social sector.

Teacher Edward Dubavin (BA English Language and Linguistics, 2020) looks back at his time at Warwick and how it fuelled his passion for research that still continues.

Self-described people person, Sabrina Luca (BA Language, Culture and Communications, 2020) was exposed to the mechanisms of intercultural communication and interpersonal relations at Warwick, which now has a massive impact on the work she does in Communications for the Tech Industry.

From studying abroad in Copenhagen to focusing on the role the NHS has in tackling inactivity, Tom Underwood (BA Language, Culture and Communication, 2019) tells us about his time at Warwick and why he wants to improve the world for people.

Adrian Richards (BA Politics and International Studies, 2018) always knew Warwick was where he was meant to study, and it's taken him on a career path that's as global and diverse as his time on campus.

Huge congratulations to a host of Warwick alumni who have received awards as part of the 2024 Kings New Year’s Honours. The list marks the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK.

For Michael Ojetunde (BA French and Economics, 2022), opting to study a language was always part of a grander plan.

A chance meeting at Coventry Station led Sheena Harvey to a successful 40-year career in journalism. Those early years on the University’s newsletter created incredible memories for Sheena (BA Comparative American Studies, 1977), and paved the way for decades of writing and editing on magazines found in homes all over the UK.

Earlier this year, alumna and activist Jo Todd (BA English and European Literature, 1990) received a CBE in recognition of 30+ years’ service to the victims of domestic abuse. From volunteering at a refuge in the outskirts of London, to more than 20 years as CEO of Respect - the pioneering charity tackling the root of the problem - Jo has dedicated her life to making a positive difference. And she’s not finished yet.

If you enjoy Ukrainian cuisine, you may own a copy of Olia Hercules’ (BA Italian and International Studies, 2006) recipe books. But, you may be surprised to hear that Olia’s journey started not in the kitchen, but in the corridors of Warwick.

With nearly a decade in the British Army including tours of Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan before coming to Warwick, Lee Kemp (BA Film with Television Studies, 2007) had an unusual path to his degree. But it was a simple truth that made his decision.

After a long career in public relations, Dianne Page (Dipl History of Art, 2007; MA History of Art, 2009) took the plunge to pursue her passion for the arts via Warwick. Now with three novels under her belt and a fourth in the works, Dianne reflects on the milestones that got her here.

Growing up in northwest London, Kaya Patel (BA Film and LiteratureLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, 2020) considered universities around the UK. But she chose to move to the Midlands for her undergraduate experience because she trusted her intuition.  

What happens when you have no choice but to flee your home and leave all you know behind? Can you ever utilise your experiences and turn them into opportunities for others? When Attal Shams’ journey of conflict, displacement, and resilience became the focus of his dissertation, he didn’t think anyone would be interested. But now, those experiences have become the driving force to him making a real difference to others.

Recent graduate Carolina Sagardoy Saavedra (BA History of Art, 2019) always knew she had a passion for fine art. She turned that passion into a reality – graduating from Warwick and moving to New York to study a Masters’ degree in Art Business at the world-renowned Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Today, she uses the knowledge she gained at Warwick to help art be bought and sold across the world.

Making a difference is what drives Kate Frost (BSc Management Sciences, 1997). She left her financial career to pioneer a charity that turns pennies into pounds to make a big impact.

We caught up with Dr Kimberley Thomas (BA History 2010, MA History 2011, PhD Caribbean Studies, 2020) to talk about her time at Warwick, ahead of her return to deliver a Caribbean seminar series.

Features writer and editor for The Boar, Vice President of Warwick HisSoc and Deputy Editor of Warwick Politics Society’s Perspectives, alumna Celia Bergin (BA History and Politics, 2022) certainly made the most of her time at Warwick. Graduating with a first-class degree, she jumped straight into the world of journalism. Now working as a reporter for Bloomberg News, Celia reflects on how these experiences helped her get there.

Balraj Dhingra (BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics, 2019) had knew sport would play a huge part of his time at Warwick. From meeting lifelong friends to lifting the 2019 Varsity Cup and becoming SU Sports Officer, his experiences helped him score his current role leading sport at UCL.

For Vera Okojie (BA Philosophy, 2020) choosing to come to study at Warwick was a decision made all the easier by our impressive alumni community.

When Jo Walker (BA Theatre and Performance Studies, 2020) first met Vikram Grover (BA English and Theatre Studies, 2021) it was their mutual love of the theatre and performance that built a firm friendship. Working to establish BAME Creatives, a society dedicated to diversifying theatre at Warwick, they found themselves falling in love. Four years later they’ re still together and working in an industry that came to life through their time at Warwick.

From never running a long-distance race in his life to becoming New York’s fastest runner in his age group, David Hill (BSc Mathematics, 1978) garnered a brand-new hobby that he didn't expect to excel at. All thanks to a catch up meeting and drink with a fellow Warwick alum and friend, Piers.

Postgraduate, multilingual translator and communications specialist - languages alumnus Dom Johnson has been busy since leaving Warwick in 2019. After almost three years working in Geneva as a translator for Swiss Federal Railways and Swiss Post, Dom (BA Modern Languages, 2018; MA Translation and Cultures, 2019) swapped proofreading for politics, moving back to the UK after securing a role as a Communications Officer for the Green Party of England and Wales.

First-class Classics graduate and Senior Policy Advisor, Dillon Patel (BA Ancient History and Classical Archaeology, 2017) shares how Warwick shaped his thinking, the power of soft skills, and how the past isn’t so dissimilar from the present day.

A trip to Ghana through Warwick in Africa prompted alumna, Soumya Dabriwal (BSc Economics, 2016), to make a difference and set up Project Baala to trans form menstrual health and hygiene practises for women and girls in rural areas in India

First class graduate Fay Inverarity (BA German Studies, 2021; MA Translation and Cultures, 2022) is translating her academic passions into a budding career after securing a place on Barclays’ Retail Banking Graduate Scheme.

After being featured on Powerful Media’s Future Leaders 2022/3 list, which recognises 150 of Britain’s most outstanding Black university students, recent graduate Giulio Aguigwo (BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics, 2022) reflects on his Warwick experience.

We’re proud to count Tilly, the Springer Spaniel, as an honorary member of the Warwick alumni community, as she and her owner, Alison Pigdon offer a helping paw to students through their wellbeing visits with charity, Pets as Therapy.

You’ve worked your way up the corporate ladder since graduating, you have a secure job that takes you all over the world, then out of the blue a colleague asks you if you want to start a business together. He doesn’t have an idea, but he had a dream he wanted you as a business partner. Would you take the risk? Alumnus Jinesh Vohra did.

Ruth Ntumba (BA History, 2021) has spent her first 18 months since graduating helping drive engagement and culture at one of the world’s leading media corporations, Warner Brothers Discovery. Ruth shares why you should go at your own pace and trust your gut instinct when searching for your next role.

Superstar screenwriter. Matcha maniac. Intern turned international TV writer. Cat lover. Origin originator. Warwick alumna. These are just some of the phrases that describe English graduate and one of the world’s youngest showrunners, Mika Watkins.

What do a golden retriever called Bowie, women’s rights in history and a start-up supporting later living have in common? They all set arts alumna and marketing expert Harriet Stanger’s (BA History, 2016) heart on fire.

BA English and Theatre Studies alumna Vinitaraj Aulak may have only graduated in 2021, but she wasted no time chasing her dreams and securing a radio presenter role on BBC Asian Network. Here she shares how her undergraduate degree taught her to break the mould and follow her passions.

Thinking studying languages would progress his scientific career, Tim Heenan (BA European Studies, 2015; MA French Studies, 2020) undertook two degrees at Warwick. He didn’t know those lessons would pay dividends for years to come. At 71, Tim’s putting his research skills to good use and supporting his local community – and he’s not planning on slowing down.

Named as one of Powerful Media's 2022/23 Future Leaders and a semi-finalist in targetjobs Black Heritage Undergraduate of the Year Awards, Nosa Charles-Novia (BA Film and Literature, 2022) is currently an MA in Writing student and film-critic intern. Here she tells us about her degree and why that little voice in your head is your most powerful weapon.

An education at Warwick doesn't just set you up for a particular career path, some alumni find their passions outside of the lecture theatre. Immi Kelly (BA Education Studies, 2020) discovered her love of baking while looking for a distraction during lockdown when she was studying for her exams. Her skill and passion for baking soon led her to set up Immi Bakes, which she runs full time and is currently in the process of baking 22,000 cookies for Telford's Polar Express.

For Classics alumna Katharine Broderick (BA Classical Civilisation, 2021, MA by Research Classics and Ancient History, 2022), 2022 started and ended on a high. From having successfully produced Bacchae for the Warwick Ancient Drama Festival earlier in January to submitting the final assignment for her Master's degree, Katharine reflects on her time at Warwick and the relevance of Ancient Greek plays in modern society.

For more than 25 years, Charles Wiltshire (BEd Learning Difficulties, 1986) has worked in theatres as an audio describer. Here, he explains how he found this career path and why it means so much to him.

From combat to craftsmanship and opera to Oscars, Greg Campbell (BA Theatre Studies, 1987) has spent many years of his life in the creative arts. Since then, he’s completed a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), two masters’ degrees and is underway with an Education PhD. But it was only when he received his ADHD diagnosis that the world – and his struggles as an undergraduate - began to make more sense.

Musician and Music Educator Katherine Fear (BA Qualified Teacher Status [Arts Ed.], 1991) balances her passions for folk music and teaching. Here she shares how her time at Warwick gave her the confidence to follow her dreams.

David Clarke (BSc Mathematics, 1984) explains how the Covid pandemic shone a light on the importance of mathematics and shares his experience of being personally tutored by the founder of Mathematics at Warwick.

Professor Mohammed Al-Amri (MA Art and Design Education, 1999) can look back fondly on his time at Warwick. Building on his Bachelor of Education and Postgraduate Diploma from Sultan Qaboos University and Helwan University respectively, he reflects on his highlights from his time as a Master’s student on campus.

Emily Wells (BA English Literature and Creative Writing, 2013) has a job many booklovers would envy: she gets to read for a living. As Senior Editor for a division of world publishing giant Hachette, her week is spent dissecting what makes a story sell and succeed on the market.

Dr Mark Wallace (BEng Engineering (Electrical), 1996; PhD Engineering, 2001) is Lead Innovations Engineer at Quanta Dialysis Technologies. He is one of the team which was awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering’s MacRobert Award for UK engineering innovation. The creation of the Quanta Dialysis System (SC+), a compact and portable dialysis machine that is transforming the lives of patients with renal failure, is already being used across 12 NHS Trusts. The innovation is both CE-marked and FDA-cleared and stands to be a global leader in the multibillion-dollar industry.

Before Warwick, alumna Armani Chante Samuel-Smith (BA Film and Literature, 2022) was working with a charity supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds into the creative industry. Fast forward to now, she’s the proud owner of a first-class degree, her own production start-up, a role with Netflix, and even more determination to write her own shows. It’s no wonder she’s been featured on Powerful Media’s Future Leaders 2022/3 list, which recognises 150 of Britain’s most outstanding Black university students.

Not only has law graduate Jessica Tinubu (LLB Law, 2022) been inspired by the trailblazing women she knows, but as one of Powerful Media’s Future Leaders, she is now an inspiration to others. An alumna of all trades, Jessica founded a start-up stationery business and has amassed a following of more than 13,000 on TikTok where she shares advice about Warwick and her law degree. And she’s only just getting started.

We know our arts alumni go on to do wonderful things after they leave us, and we love that everyone’s story is a little different. Arts advocate, Sunday Times columnist, mum, self-confessed cake scoffer, women’s fiction writer and ex Tellytubbyland resident alumna Pernille Hughes (BA Film and Literature, 1994) has had a rollercoaster of a journey since she graduated from Warwick. Here she tells us how she found her writing voice, and why your arts degree will always be a good talking point.

As a five-time Paralympic medallist, Kare Adenegan’s (BA History, 2022) sporting endeavours have played a big part in her university experience. No stranger to making history, Kare graduated with a first-class honours degree a week after claiming silver in the T33/34 100m at the Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games. Here Kare reflects on her studies and how we can all learn a lot from history.

From becoming the first in his family to go to university, Mike Burnett (BA History, 1975) has continued to evolve throughout a career in which he’s worked all over the world.

Carla Miller is a leadership coach, trainer, and speaker, helping women in leadership roles to increase their influence and impact at work.

Powerful Media’s Future Leaders 2022/23 list recognises 150 of Britain’s most outstanding Black university students, including law graduate Precious Odunaiya (LLB Law, 2022). She shares what leadership means to her, and how following your passion is everything.

Future Leader Anthonia Ezeudogu (BA Politics and Sociology, 2022) might be just beginning her career, but she already has a lot to be proud of. With a first-class degree and experience as a Welfare Officer for The Black Women Project already under her belt, Anthonia is now a Graduate Associate on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) graduate programme. It’s clear to see why she’s named on Powerful Media’s Future Leaders 2022/23 list, recognising 150 of Britain’s most outstanding Black students and new graduates.

Theatre Director Ali Pidsley (BA English and Theatre Studies, 2014; MA English Literature, 2016) shares how Warwick inspired him to set up a different kind of theatre company.

From Summer School to social justice, Patrick Olajide discusses his Warwick experience and why he puts ethics at the forefront of his work.

Elizabete Ludborza, who studied our Law with Study Abroad in English degree from 2015-2019, has set up her own legal tech startup Kaveat to help social media influencers and models to understand and negotiate legal contracts.

Farah Williamson (BA French and History, 2006) is currently Director of Gulf & Strategic Partnerships at Plan International Canada, one of the world’s oldest and largest development and humanitarian organisations that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

Laura Mathias on overcoming anxieties, managing alopecia and becoming the person she wanted to be at Warwick Driving positive dialogue and awareness about living with alopecia, Laura Mathias (BA Film and Literature, 2013) talks openly about her anxieties when she first started university, and how Warwick was where she became who she was always meant to be.

Have you ever wondered how people in the past dealt with their periods? If Queen Victoria coasted* through her cramps? What if period dramas really were about…periods?

Comedy, cabaret and tap collide in this hilarious one-woman show, teaching the history you never learnt at school. Armed with glitter, blood, some history books and an arsenal of embarrassing stories, History alumna, Heather Milsted is on a mission to push through the menstrual taboo and change the way we think about bleeding.

Audiences are invited to embrace themselves fully, let loose and have a BLOODY good time!

*Obviously she didn't. It was 1837.

Book: Period Dramas - The Hope Theatre & Period Dramas | Pleasance Theatre Trust

Theatre Performance Studies graduate, Dean Murphy discusses his career journey since leaving Warwick

Through her degree, Rebecca Preedy (BA Ancient History and Classical Archaeology with Study in Europe, (2021), MA Ancient Visual and Material Culture of Rome, present) has been able to combine her interests in ancient history, archaeology and languages. She talks about her Warwick experience, and the parallels between the ancient and modern worlds.

As artistic director and producer of the award-winning 1623 theatre company, alumnus Ben Spiller uses Shakespeare and theatre to engage communities, champion diversity and support social justice.

Ben’s love of the theatre blossomed at Warwick, where he became president of the award-winning Warwick University Drama Society (WUDS), acting in and directing productions at Warwick Arts Centre and beyond including the National Student Drama Festival.

Ben explained what motivates him to inspire, surprise and affect people through the power of Shakespeare.

Alumnus Wayne Snow (BSc MORSE, 1994 and Chief Risk Officer) and his husband Allister Dennis (BEng Engineering (Mechanical), 1994 and Product Manager Electrification and Advanced Power Systems) are passionate about social inclusion and changing people’s lives by breaking down barriers to accessing a university education. Explore their views on STEM inclusion and what motivates them to give to Warwick.

Former trade union activist and political advisor Nita Clarke OBE (BA History and Politics, 1974, MA Comparative Labour History, 1977) had her first experience of public speaking and activism at Warwick. Nita was awarded an OBE for her services to employee engagement and remains a prominent speaker on the subject.

From working in a fish and chip shop to writing a play that’s been performed all over the world, Sam Steiner (English Literature , 2014) learned at Warwick how to take his stories in new directions. Most recently, he’s penned the script for Morning, a film starring Laura Dern and Benedict Cumberbatch set for release later this year. We spoke to Sam about his experience of breaking into playwriting for stage and screen.

Susan Douglas (BA Qualified Teacher Status, 1987-1991) was awarded a CBE for her services to Education in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. She shares her memories of why her time at Warwick was ‘life-changing’, and why being an educator is the greatest privilege of all.

Alumna and author, Anmol Malik speaks about how her experience of studying at Warwick inspired her love of film and writing.

With a personal passion for community health, Robbie Chandler (BSc Psychology, 2019) is Health Manager at Coventry City Football Club’s charity arm, Sky Blues in the Community. Alongside some tips for standing out from the crowd, discover how his time at Warwick helped Robbie to fulfil his drive to help others and support local communities in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Ella McLeod’s debut novel Rapunzella, Or, Don't Touch My Hair started life as a poem written during her studies at Warwick. We asked Ella (BA English and Theatre Studies, 2017) how she was inspired to evolve the idea from its beginnings to her dissertation and now, her first book.

Inspired to create change in the refugee community, Last Mafuba (BSc Psychology, 2015; LLM International Development Law and Human Rights, 2016) created the Inini Initiative. Inini provides a safe space for refugees to build relationships and find out about mental health and other support services available.

“World Book Day is about literacy and its place in a modern, equal society.” So believes Jane Burke (BA History, 1975), whose career has fuelled a passion to promote the joy of reading and access to books for all.

Children’s author Christy Kirkpatrick (BA Philosophy and Literature, 1995) has worked with a number of publishers, including BBC Worldwide, Ladybird and Flying Eye Books. We chatted with her on World Book Day about her career, her advice to budding authors and her co-authored book that uses relaxation techniques to help with bedtime.

From the London 2012 Olympic Park to the High Speed One (HS1) railway and more, Louise Hardy (BSc Engineering (Civil), 1988) has worked on many high profile and internationally renowned construction projects during her career. She was named in the Financial Times’ Top 100 Women of Influence in Engineering and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the European Women in Construction and Engineering awards in 2019. In November 2021, Louise was the judges’ choice for the ‘Overall Business Woman of the Year’ at the National Business Women’s Awards (NBWA).

Having written from a young age, bestselling author Sarah Pearse chose to study English and Creative Writing at Warwick, giving her a safe and supportive space in which to pursue her passion. We spoke to Sarah in between a book tour for her debut novel The Sanatorium and editing her next thriller The Retreat.

Hear from Warwick alumna and former professional services staff member, Charlotte Beesley (BA History and Sociology, 2014)

Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, Lynda Thomas, began her career in marketing and PR before making the transition into the third sector by volunteering for a children’s charity. Since then, Lynda (BA Psychology, 1986), has dedicated her professional career to helping others.

"What you have to offer is precious."

The warmest of welcomes to the Warwick alumni community for all our Winter 2022 graduates from Chair of the Climate Group, Joan MacNaughton CB (BSc Physics, 1972)

Claire studied for her BA QTS at Warwick, focusing on Religion and English Literature. She's now a well known historian and published author with 12 books under her belt, plus a popular Tudor history YouTube channel.

Dr Phil O’Donovan (BSc Electrical Engineering Science, 1971) is a successful entrepreneur and angel investor, providing support and financial backing for startups and other entrepreneurs.

With the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic far from over for the hospitality sector worldwide, find out how two alumni, Ravi Nahappan (MSc Manufacturing Systems Engineering, 2005) and Edward Rudd (BSc Microbiology and Virology, 1994), have coped with the challenges, adapted their businesses, and made plans for the future.

Listed in the 2020-2021 Top 150 Future Leaders List (Powerful Media), Samuel Akpan (BA Politics and International Studies, 2021) is now in freelance journalism with a focus on sports.

Having been named in the Top 150 Future Leaders list for 2020-21 by Powerful Media, Tiana Holgate (BA Sociology with Specialism in Race and Global Politics, 2021) is taking a different view on leadership.

Listed in the 2020-2021 Top 150 Future Leaders List (Powerful Media), Daniel Nwanebu (LLB, 2021) shares what he thinks makes a leader and why it's important to pass on opportunities to the next generation

To celebrate European Day of Languages we asked our languages alumni to share their stories about Warwick and travels! Claudia Lussana (BA, Hispanic and Italian, 2017)

Despite only graduating this year, Gold’s already starting to shine with an appearance on the 2021 Powerful Media 150 Future Leaders List. She recently completed a successful summer internship at leading global independent investment bank, Evercore, through the 10,000 Black Interns programme, and has now secured a permanent analyst role. Read on to find out why the challenges of studying and graduating during the pandemic only made Gold (BA Sociology, 2021) more determined to succeed.

Warwick alumnus Yash Lohia (BEng Engineering Business Management, 2009) is Chief Sustainability Officer of Indorama Ventures based in Bangkok, Thailand, having joined the family business in 2013.

Warwick alumnus Alistair Rogers (BSc MORSE, 2016) is a Senior Data Scientist at LV=, one of the UK’s largest insurance companies. Find out about Alistair’s time at Warwick, his advice for students and recent graduates who want to work in the ever-expanding field of Data Science, and his plans for the future.

2020/21 has been a particularly challenging year, and we are so proud of all of our students who have made it through this year - particularly those who are graduating.

In particular, we are delighted to mark the contributions and successes of this year’s winners of the Theatre and Performance Studies prizes

Alumnus Justin Onuekwusi (BSc Economics 2000-2003) is Head of Retail Multi-Asset Funds at Legal & General Investment Management. He shares his top five tips on mentoring

Dr Andy Palmer CMG (Manufacturing Systems Engineering [IGDS], 1990), is an alumnus of WMG and one of the leading and most respected figures in the UK automotive sector. He has had a glittering career at the top of some of the world’s biggest and best-known automobile manufacturers, including Nissan and Aston Martin.